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Puffer, E. J., Drabkin, A., Stashko, A., Broverman, S. A., Ogwang-Odhiambo, R, and Sikkema, K.J., Associations between orphan status, HIV risk behavior and mental health outcomes among adolescents in rural Kenya., Journal of Pediatric Psychology. (2011) .
(last updated on 2011/12/19)
Abstract:
Purpose The population of orphans in sub-Saharan Africa is growing, in large part because of HIV/AIDS. Some evidence suggests that orphans are at increased risk for poorer developmental outcomes, including HIV. We examined associations between orphan status, sexual activity, sex-related beliefs and self-efficacy, mental health, social support, and economic resources among adolescents in a community in Nyanza Province, Kenya. Methods Adolescents ages 10 to 18 years were randomly selected from primary schools in Muhuru, Kenya. Participants completed interviewer-administered surveys in their local language. ANCOVA and logistic regression were conducted, controlling for age and gender. Results Of 335 participants, 44.8% were orphans and approximately 40% reported history of sexual activity. Orphan status was not related to sexual activity or sex-related self-efficacy or beliefs. Orphan status was associated with more internalizing symptoms, lower social support, and less access to basic needs (i.e., clothing). Double orphans reported more traumatic experiences, more traumatic stress symptoms and lower social support than single- and non-orphans. Longer time since parental death was associated with some poorer outcomes, suggesting a negative cumulative time effect of being an orphan. Conclusions Orphan status may not be related directly to sexual behavior in this context and age range. However, orphans experience more mental health problems, less social support, and lower access to resources. Future research is needed to test interventions to address these concerns and to evaluate whether these problems could elevate future HIV risk. Results can inform intervention development and determine whether orphans should be targeted specifically for HIV prevention.

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			Papers Submitted Puffer, E. J., Drabkin, A., Stashko, A., Broverman, S. A., Ogwang-Odhiambo, R, and Sikkema, K.J., Associations between orphan status, HIV risk behavior and mental health outcomes among adolescents in rural Kenya., Journal of Pediatric Psychology. (2011) . (last updated on 2011/12/19) Abstract: Purpose The population of orphans in sub-Saharan Africa is growing, in large part because of HIV/AIDS. Some evidence suggests that orphans are at increased risk for poorer developmental outcomes, including HIV. We examined associations between orphan status, sexual activity, sex-related beliefs and self-efficacy, mental health, social support, and economic resources among adolescents in a community in Nyanza Province, Kenya. Methods Adolescents ages 10 to 18 years were randomly selected from primary schools in Muhuru, Kenya. Participants completed interviewer-administered surveys in their local language. ANCOVA and logistic regression were conducted, controlling for age and gender. Results Of 335 participants, 44.8% were orphans and approximately 40% reported history of sexual activity. Orphan status was not related to sexual activity or sex-related self-efficacy or beliefs. Orphan status was associated with more internalizing symptoms, lower social support, and less access to basic needs (i.e., clothing). Double orphans reported more traumatic experiences, more traumatic stress symptoms and lower social support than single- and non-orphans. Longer time since parental death was associated with some poorer outcomes, suggesting a negative cumulative time effect of being an orphan. Conclusions Orphan status may not be related directly to sexual behavior in this context and age range. However, orphans experience more mental health problems, less social support, and lower access to resources. Future research is needed to test interventions to address these concerns and to evaluate whether these problems could elevate future HIV risk. Results can inform intervention development and determine whether orphans should be targeted specifically for HIV prevention.